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The implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum is a national education policy aimed at enhancing the quality of learning through a more flexible, student-centered approach that emphasizes character strengthening. However, the implementation of this curriculum in Islamic schools based on pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) presents unique challenges that require in-depth study. This research aims to describe the challenges faced by teachers in implementing the Merdeka Curriculum at MANU Putra Buntet Pesantren and to examine the school's readiness in supporting its execution. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques including observation, semi-structured interviews with the Vice Principal for Curriculum Affairs, and documentation. The results indicate that the Merdeka Curriculum has been implemented in grades X and XI, but its execution is not yet fully optimal. The main challenges faced by teachers include low student engagement in learning, demands for adapting to rapid policy changes from the government and the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as limitations in supporting learning facilities and infrastructure. Nevertheless, the character of MANU Putra Buntet Pesantren as an Islamic school based on pesantren serves as a strength in integrating Islamic values into learning. The implications of this research highlight the need for mentoring, more intensive socialization, and improved facilities to ensure the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Islamic schools can be more effective and aligned with the objectives of Islamic education.

The use of Islamic music, especially nasyid, as a creative learning strategy in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) plays an important role in increasing students' motivation, understanding, and appreciation of religious values. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method to describe in depth how nasyid can be used as an innovative and effective learning medium to enrich the IRE teaching process. The findings show that the application of nasyid in the teaching and learning process can create a more interesting, interactive, and enjoyable learning atmosphere. This condition has been proven to encourage active student participation, making learning activities more meaningful and memorable. In addition, nasyid effectively helps students improve their memory and ability to memorize religious material in an easier and more enjoyable way. The positive impact is not only seen in cognitive aspects but also in the overall formation of students' religious character. Through nasyid, moral and spiritual values can be instilled more deeply, naturally, and continuously in everyday life. However, this study also found several obstacles, such as limited supporting facilities and the need to develop teachers' competencies in optimally applying nasyid as a learning medium. Therefore, the use of nasyid in PAI learning can be seen as a strategic innovation that has the potential to improve the quality of religious education holistically and have a positive impact on the development of students in a dynamic and challenging modern era.  

Equality in education and employment is an important foundation for realizing social justice as mandated by Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. Equality means that every individual has the same rights to access, treatment, and opportunities without discrimination based on gender, religion, ethnicity, social status, or physical condition. In education, equality is realized through equal access to learning facilities, an inclusive curriculum, and equal opportunities for all students to develop. Meanwhile, in the field of employment, equality includes fair opportunities in recruitment, promotion, training, and commensurate income. Education plays a strategic role in building awareness of equality by instilling the values ​​of empathy, tolerance, and social justice. A multicultural approach and inclusive education are key to shaping students who value diversity and reject discrimination. Although various policies have been implemented, such as the Smart Indonesia Card (KIP) and affirmative action programs for marginalized groups, challenges such as socio-economic inequality, discrimination, the digital divide, and weak policy implementation remain major obstacles. Therefore, comprehensive efforts are needed, encompassing policy reform, improving teacher quality, and implementing pluralism-based character education to create a just, inclusive, and equal Indonesian society.

This research is motivated by the significance of inclusive education as a way to guarantee access and equity for students with special needs in Sidoarjo Regency. Even with robust national policies advocating for inclusive schools, their impact at the regional level is still not thoroughly examined. This study aims to assess the impact of inclusive school initiatives on enhancing educational access and equity of services. The aims are to (1) evaluate the access rates of students with special needs to both formal and non-formal education; (2) analyze equity of services in relation to facilities, teaching standards, and learning results; (3) pinpoint factors that facilitate and hinder implementation; and (4) develop policy suggestions for enhancing equitable services. The research utilizes a mixed-methods strategy incorporating a sequential explanatory framework that integrates quantitative survey information from 30 schools along with qualitative interviews conducted with policymakers, educators, and parents. The results show that the success of inclusive programs in Sidoarjo is intermediate, with significant differences between urban and rural schools. Leadership, teacher effectiveness, and collaboration across sectors stand out as crucial factors for success. The research indicates that maintaining inclusive education necessitates regional policy coordination, development of human resources, and data-driven monitoring to guarantee equity and equal learning chances for every student

School administration is a fundamental component in ensuring effective and high-quality education in elementary schools. This study aims to describe the concept of effective school administration, the essential administrative components that must be designed and managed, and the factors influencing its success in supporting educational quality improvement. A qualitative approach was employed, focusing on naturally occurring administrative processes within elementary educational institutions. Data were obtained through literature review on the management of curriculum, students, educational staff, finance, facilities, and school–community relations. The findings indicate that effective school administration must be carried out systematically through core management functions, including planning, organizing, implementing, and monitoring. The success of school administration is strongly influenced by the leadership of the principal, the competence of teachers and staff, the utilization of information technology, accountable financial management, adequate facilities, and community participation. Therefore, strengthening school administration becomes a key strategy in creating an orderly, efficient, and student-oriented educational process to improve learning quality in elementary schools.

The development of information and communication technology (ICT) is an important demand in the world of education, especially at the Vocational High School (SMK) level which prepares students to enter the digital-based world of work. However, students in class X of SMKS Efata still show delays in mastering ICT which has an impact on the learning process and their competency readiness. This study aims to analyze the factors that cause students to delay in mastering ICT as well as identify strategic steps to improve their skills. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive approach with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that the limitations of technology facilities, the lack of experience of students using computer devices before entering vocational schools, and the low intensity of ICT learning practices are the dominant factors that affect the delay in mastering technology. In addition, the difference in students' backgrounds in digital literacy and the lack of assistance during the learning process also slow down the development of their abilities. Nevertheless, students have good motivation to learn and adapt to technology if they are given the support of the right learning facilities and strategies. The conclusion of this study emphasizes that improving facilities, strengthening practice-based learning methods, and intensive mentoring are needed to accelerate students' ICT mastery. This research is expected to be the basis for schools in formulating ICT learning policies that are more effective and in accordance with the needs of technological developments.

This study aims to analyze the role of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) in creating and maintaining excellent schools. IQA is a systematic mechanism designed to ensure that all educational processes operate according to established quality standards while serving as a means for continuous evaluation and improvement. This research employs a literature study method with a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing secondary sources such as books, scientific journals, government regulations, and relevant previous studies. The findings indicate that IQA plays a strategic role in building an education system oriented toward quality and accountability. Through the implementation of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, schools are able to establish measurable quality standards, control learning processes, and conduct continuous evaluations of educational outcomes. The implementation of IQA also fosters a culture of quality that encourages collective awareness among all school members regarding the importance of continuous improvement. However, IQA implementation still faces several challenges, including limited competent human resources, lack of leadership commitment, inadequate facilities and infrastructure, and resistance to change. A case study at SMP Negeri 2 Tarutung reveals that the success of IQA is determined by visionary leadership, stakeholder support, and the use of data-based quality information systems. Therefore, IQA functions not only as a supervisory tool but also as a managerial strategy for achieving holistic and sustainable educational quality improvement

The declining interest of students in joining organizations poses a challenge in character development and strengthening Pancasila values in higher education institutions. This study aims to investigate the causes of low student involvement in student organizations and to design strategies for strengthening the implementation of Pancasila values through organizational activities. A qualitative method is applied in this research through in-depth interviews with administrators, active members, and students with organizational experience. The data is then analyzed based on Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory to understand the social learning process as a shaper of student behavior. The research findings reveal that the low interest in organizing is caused by several factors, namely lack of institutional support, limited facilities, and minimal recognition for active students. Nevertheless, the role of student organizations is crucial in fostering discipline, a sense of responsibility, cooperation, and the spirit of deliberation that reflects Pancasila values. Strengthening efforts can be carried out through improved institutional development, providing awards to active students, and implementing organizational programs based on national values and Pancasila character.

Education in remote areas continues to face various problems that affect the quality and equity of learning outcomes. The lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure, the shortage of competent teachers, and limited access to learning resources are the main obstacles to implementing effective education in these regions. In addition, the national curriculum, which is uniform in nature, is often less relevant to the needs, potential, and local context of the community. This study aims to analyze educational problems in remote areas and their relevance to adaptive and contextual curriculum design. Using a literature review approach, the study shows that a curriculum aligned with local conditions can improve students’ learning motivation, develop regional potential, and strengthen life skills. Therefore, collaborative efforts among the government, educators, and the community are needed to design a curriculum that can effectively address educational challenges in remote areas in a sustainable manner.

This community service activity aims to introduce the use of the PhET virtual laboratory and to identify students’ responses to the PhET-based virtual laboratory training in empowering students at SMA Negeri 1 Unaaha. The program also seeks to address the issue of limited science practicum facilities in the partner school. The study employed a descriptive quantitative design involving a single group of 23 participants from grades X to XII in the science stream. Participants took part in several sessions, including orientation, demonstration, and exploration of the Build an Atom and Circuit Construction Kit: DC simulations. Research data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire consisting of 30 items covering six main indicators: conceptual understanding, motivation, activeness, interest, ability to operate PhET, and learning satisfaction. All questionnaire results were converted into percentages for each indicator. The analysis showed an average response rate of 86.67%, with details as follows: interest 92%, activeness 90%, motivation 88%, satisfaction 89%, operational ability 83%, and conceptual understanding 78%. These findings indicate a very positive acceptance and significant reinforcement in the affective, participatory, and technical skill aspects of the students.

This study was conducted at MA PK Al-Azhar Sempu, Banyuwangi Regency.  The purpose of this study was to determine students' interest in reading, their enjoyment of reading during classroom learning, and their enjoyment of reading fiction and scientific books. The research method used in this study was descriptive,  and the type of research used was qualitative. The population in this study consisted of 86 students from grades X, XI, and XII. The sample used in this study consisted of 32 students, and the researcher employed two techniques: interviews and questionnaires. Based on the results of this study, it shows that students' reading interest is moderate or sufficient. Still, there is an opportunity for students to increase their reading interest by reading books that are easy to digest, such as novels, as well as the availability of additional facilities provided by the Madrasah, with additional support from teachers to motivate students to continue enjoying reading.

The formation of Islamic character and environmental awareness is an integral part of the national education goals which are oriented towards developing the personality of students as a whole. In rural schools, such as the free school in Karang Anyar Village, limited learning facilities often become a challenge in implementing character education based on Islamic and environmental values. This study aims to analyze efforts to strengthen Islamic character and environmental awareness through the use of school libraries and family medicinal plant (TOGA) planting activities as contextual learning tools. The research used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation during the real work lecture (KKN) program. Data analysis is carried out through a process of reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions in order to obtain an in-depth picture of the effectiveness of the activity. The results of the study show that literacy activities in the library are able to increase reading interest, Islamic insight, and the habituation of religious attitudes among students. Meanwhile, TOGA activities contribute to the formation of attitudes of responsibility, mutual cooperation, and concern for the school environment. The synergy between these two activities has proven effective in strengthening Islamic character values ​​and environmental awareness, as well as creating a school culture that is religious, productive, and ecologically aware. 

The Child Friendly School policy is an important instrument in protecting children's rights and preventing violence in educational environments. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of the Child Friendly School policy at SD Negeri Kandangan, Krembung District, Sidoarjo Regency using William Dunn's policy evaluation approach. This research uses qualitative methods with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques were carried out through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation studies. Research informants were selected using purposive sampling techniques consisting of school principals, teachers, school committees, and students. Data analysis techniques use the Miles and Huberman model which includes data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results show that the evaluation of policy effectiveness achieves a fairly good level of success in creating a safe and comfortable learning environment, although there are still some teachers who use conventional disciplinary methods. The efficiency evaluation shows that schools optimize limited resources through community participation and village government support. The adequacy evaluation identifies the need for improved facilities such as prayer rooms and special rooms for students with special needs. The equity evaluation shows the school's commitment to providing inclusive educational services without discrimination. The responsiveness evaluation shows high stakeholder satisfaction with child-friendly school programs. The accuracy evaluation confirms that this policy is appropriate for inclusive schools that have students with special needs. This research contributes to the development of educational policy evaluation with a focus on child protection in inclusive schools.  

Sanitation facilities are a fundamental element that contributes to creating a healthy, comfortable, and productive learning environment in higher education institutions. This study aims to describe the availability of sanitation facilities in the Office Administration Management Study Program, analyze the factors that influence their condition, and explore the perspectives of the academic community regarding their quality and usefulness. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The informants of this study consisted of students, lecturers, administrative staff, and facility managers. The findings reveal that sanitation facilities such as toilets, sinks, and trash bins remain inadequate in terms of quantity, physical condition, and distribution within the campus area. Several key challenges were identified, including limited financial resources, suboptimal management practices, low awareness and discipline among users, and the absence of clear and strict institutional policies related to sanitation standards. The academic community generally perceives that the available sanitation facilities do not meet the expected standards of comfort and hygiene, which may negatively affect the quality of learning experiences and academic activities. This study highlights the importance of strategic planning, adequate budget allocation, and supportive institutional policies in improving the quality of sanitation facilities. The implications of the study are expected to provide valuable input for higher education managers in formulating policies and planning facilities that are more responsive to the needs of the academic community, thereby supporting effective, professional, and sustainable educational governance.

The Socialization Program of Self-Token Economy Techniques was carried out at the Muhammadiyah Nuruddin Orphanage with the main goal of increasing the academic motivation of orphanage children through a token-based reward system approach. Children in orphanages often face challenges such as low motivation to learn, lack of incentive systems, lack of confidence, and an unconducive learning environment. To answer these problems, this program prioritizes the Self-Token Economy technique as an educational and applicative intervention strategy. The implementation method consists of the preparation stage, the implementation of socialization, and impact evaluation. The target of the activity was 15 orphanage children who were actively involved in the entire series of programs. This activity also involves strategic partners who play a role in providing facilities, technical assistance, and program sustainability planning. The results showed an increase in participants' academic motivation, characterized by increased participation in learning activities, understanding of the award system, and the emergence of independent learning initiatives. In addition, this program produces outputs in the form of scientific publications as a form of dissemination of knowledge and good practices in developing the academic motivation of orphanage children. In conclusion, the Self-Token Economy technique has proven to be effective as a social intervention approach that can be applied in the orphanage environment to support the achievement of children's education more optimally.

Academic planning is one form of planning the teaching and learning process in state universities, aimed at achieving educational goals based on the standards set. One important aspect of academic planning is forecasting the number of new students. This study compares two forecasting methods, Fuzzy Time Series (FTS) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), in predicting the number of new students in the Statistics Study Program at Universitas Negeri Gorontalo. Forecasting the number of new students is crucial for determining various policies, such as resource allocation and providing adequate facilities. The results of the study show that the ARIMA method produces more accurate predictions with a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 0.35%, which is lower than the FTS method. This indicates that ARIMA is more effective in predicting the number of new students in the Statistics Study Program at Universitas Negeri Gorontalo and can serve as a reference to improve academic planning quality in higher education institutions.

The Merdeka Curriculum is a curriculum designed to provide flexibility to educational units in developing student-centered learning, including in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) subjects. This research aims to describe the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and analyze its impact on PAI learning at Manu Putra Buntet Pesantren Islamic School. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques in the form of observation and interviews with the school's Vice Principal for Curriculum. The results show that the Merdeka Curriculum has been implemented in grades X and XI, while grade XII still uses the 2013 Curriculum due to an unfinished transition process. In its implementation, this curriculum strives to encourage student activity and integrate Islamic values according to the characteristics of the pesantren (Islamic boarding school) environment. However, students' adaptation to the active learning model is not yet optimal, so learning still tends to be teacher-centered. In addition, limitations in facilities and infrastructure such as projectors and technological devices also hinder the full implementation of innovative methods. Overall, the Merdeka Curriculum has a positive impact on strengthening religious character and contextualizing PAI learning but requires improved facilities and further mentoring for teachers and students so that the curriculum's goals can be optimally achieved.

Village infrastructure development plays an important role in improving community welfare. However, public opinion regarding the condition of infrastructure is often not analyzed comprehensively and based on data. This study aims to analyze public opinions toward infrastructure in Malitidari Village using the Unsupervised Learning method with the Orange application. The data were collected from public comments on social media and digital surveys, which were then processed in text format. The analysis process includes data preprocessing, tokenization, vectorization, and the application of a clustering algorithm to group opinions into several categories without prior labeling. The Orange application was used due to its ability to visualize data analysis workflows interactively and efficiently. The results of this study show that public opinions can be grouped into several main clusters: positive opinions related to the development of roads and public facilities, and negative opinions concerning delays and unequal quality of infrastructure. Based on these findings, the Unsupervised Learning method is proven effective in illustrating public perceptions of village infrastructure conditions. The results are expected to serve as a reference for the village government in planning and improving the quality of infrastructure development in Malitidari Village  

The growing demand for integrated Islamic schools to deliver high-quality education that emphasizes both academic excellence and character development has encouraged the adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM) as a modern and relevant management approach. TQM is considered appropriate because it highlights continuous improvement, active involvement of all school members, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction within the educational context. This study aims to analyze the implementation of TQM in improving school quality at three integrated Islamic junior high schools: SMP IT Al-Khoiriyyah, SMP IT Nurul Islam, and SMP IT Baitul Anshor. The research employed a qualitative method using a multi-case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observations, and document analysis involving principals, vice principals, teachers, educational staff, students, and parents. Data analysis followed the stages of reduction, presentation, and inductive conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that TQM implementation in all three schools followed four main stages: planning, organizing, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. During planning, TQM principles were embedded in School Work Plans, the PDCA cycle was applied, and stakeholders were actively involved. Organizing focused on quality-based structures, clear task distribution, and teamwork. Implementation included quality-oriented learning, teacher development, extracurricular activities, and integrated Islamic programs, while monitoring involved supervision, internal audits, evaluation meetings, and feedback systems. Supporting factors included visionary leadership, Islamic work culture, and parental support, while challenges involved limited facilities, uneven teacher competencies, and heavy workloads.

The implementation of Biology learning in senior high schools still faces various challenges, particularly the limitations of laboratory facilities and the low level of students’ science process skills(KPS). KPS  is an essential ability that supports conceptual understanding and critical thinking development through practical activities. This community service program aimed to improve students’ basic laboratory skills and KPS through hands-on training. The program was conducted at the Biology Education Laboratory of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Kuningan University, involving students from SMAN 1 Ciwaru. The methods included socialization, laboratory equipment training, preparation of practical materials, animal dissection training, application of virtual laboratory technology, and mentoring and evaluation sessions. The results showed a significant improvement in students’ abilities to use laboratory tools, prepare materials, and perform experiments according to scientific procedures. Before the training, only 32% of students were able to use laboratory equipment correctly, while after the training, this increased to 84%. The average scores for observation, measurement, data interpretation, and scientific communication also improved significantly. Furthermore, a satisfaction survey revealed an average score of 4.6 out of 5, with 92% of participants stating that the activity was very beneficial. This program proved effective in enhancing students’ basic laboratory and science process skills, providing meaningful, applicable, and sustainable science learning experiences. Keywords: : training, basic skills, laboratory, science process skills, biology.